Grab a Seat at the Table This National Nutrition Month

Every March, we recognize National Nutrition Month and acknowledge the importance of establishing healthy eating and physical activity habits. The theme for the 2026 National Nutrition Month is “Discover the Power of Nutrition." Studies have shown that eating with other people can have impacts on our physical, mental and social health (talk about power!). 

Whether through congregate meal sites, home-delivered meals or even cooking classes, there are many opportunities in the aging and disability network to provide nutritious meals and education to consumers. However, these opportunities are also an excellent opportunity to foster social connections among older adults and people with disabilities. This March, we challenge you to consider how you can incorporate deliberate opportunities of connection in your nutrition programming and services.   

Find Resources on the Topic of Social Connection and Nutrition 

Learn more about the links between nutrition and social engagement in the resources listed below.  

  • Commit to Connect hosted an Office Hours on social connection and nutrition featuring Kathryn Tucker, a Senior Nutrition Expert within the Office of Nutrition and Health Promotion Program at the Administration for Community Living. During the session, Kathyrn shared how social connection is a critical part of the Older Americans Act Senior Nutrition program. Resources highlighted in this session are summarized in this Resource Recap. Access the event recording here.  

  • The Foundation for Social Connection released a report in their SOCIAL Framework series addressing how food and nutrition can be used as tools to develop relationships and strengthen communities.  

Explore Programs on the Innovations Hub That Utilize Nutrition to Support Social Connections  

Below are four community program examples from the Social Engagement Innovations Hub that foster social connection through nutrition. The Innovations Hub offers replicable examples to inspire and inform your organization’s social engagement efforts.   

  • Congregate Nutrition Program for Korean Older Adults 

    The Fairfax Area Agency on Aging and Central Senior Center partner together for this program to provide tailored meals and social connection programming for Korean older adults who face challenges, such as chronic disease, depression, loneliness and financial difficulties.    

  • Nourishment Beyond the Plate 

    Nourishment Beyond the Plate is a flagship initiative by Kelly’s Kitchen designed to empower individuals with disabilities and older adults. The four-month program provides culturally relevant meal ingredients, recipes, and cooking instructions to participants. 

  • The Lunch Bunch Restaurant Group Dining 

    Senior Resources in Columbia, SC, developed the Lunch Bunch Restaurant Group Dining program in 2021 to accommodate increased need for nutrition assistance and desire for connection among older adults. 

  • Tasty Tuesday 

    Tasty Tuesday is a free monthly cooking and nutrition program for older adults living in and around Ely, MN. It began in June 2020 as a pilot program to teach budget-friendly healthy recipes and evolved into a monthly gathering of people who enjoy cooking demonstrations and discussions. 

For more details on the programs described above and ideas on how to incorporate social engagement to your nutrition program or services, visit the Social Engagement Innovations Hub.  

Ali Fehlhaber